In major cities around the country, leasing activity has plummeted this year due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus. Potential tenants in every area code are thinking twice before making moves or changes to their housing situation. Even those truly in need of an apartment are hesitant to book appointments to attend physical showings.

Lucky for landlords, as fast as the world is changing, technology is changing with it. Gone are the days when hectic schedules or global pandemics prevent potential tenants from seeing the home of their dreams. With the use of virtual tours, landlords can tell the story that they want to tell, consistently showcasing the best of what their property has to offer to each and every client.

Below you’ll find five handy tips to help you create an amazing and safe virtual tour, no matter what the circumstance.

1. Have a Gameplan

A movie director doesn’t walk on set without a script, and neither should you! While you might not be a seasoned producer well-versed in creating blockbuster hits, you do have a specific mission. You are looking to engage an audience.

To prep for your video session, think about what features renters might be most interested in seeing in your property. Do they always dash first to the kitchen? If so, start there. Are they often pleasantly surprised by the spacious closets? That will be something you want to highlight.

Also consider frequently asked questions. What are potential tenants asking you during a typical walkthrough? And how might you be able to answer that through film? This is your opportunity to sell. Rather than shooting the entire apartment and forcing the audience to sift through the footage, you can create a truly engaging experience that tells a story. And that kind of marketing win takes planning.

2. Get Ready for the Close-Up

Marie Kondo, best-selling author of, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” and current Netflix superstar, has made her life’s work in helping people find joy in tidiness. Her message is that through simply putting your own everyday things in place, you can transform your home into a space of serenity and inspiration.

The same can be said for your rental unit. When potential tenants view this space for the first time, you want them to feel inspired. As much as their eyes might be looking for specific details like ceiling heights or hardwood floors, they can't help but be influenced by the overall ambiance of the space. For better or for worse, it will have an impact on how they feel about the property.

This is one mega-perk of creating a virtual tour. You have that “disappearo!” movie magic right at your fingertips. Just because many items exist in the space, does not mean they must exist in your shot. Start each frame by getting behind the camera in each of your shooting locations. Through that lens, see what negative elements your eye is drawn to and remove them. You can even shoot some film and run it back to catch eyesores that might have slipped past. For instance, it might make practical sense to have a 24-roll pack of toilet paper on top of the bathroom vanity, but as a viewer that won’t spark any type of joy. Once you are finished with each room, simply replace all items and move on to the next. And “Presto perfecto!”, you’ve shot an organized and inspiring home.

3. Let There Be Light!

Natural light is one of the top features tenants look for in a new place. This is definitely something you want to highlight in your video. But as the sun rises and sets each day, you have to be intentional about how to capture the best lighting.

Bright morning light can often be harsh and draw attention to small imperfections, like dust on a railing or molding that’s chipped. On the other hand, shooting late in the evening can be too dark and fail to illuminate even the best parts of the home. Your best bet for ideal conditions is the golden hour, as photographers call it. This is mid to late afternoon, when the sun has softened to a warm glow.

Weather can also play a big role in creating that perfect light. If you’re able to be flexible, check the forecast ahead of time and try to plan on a date with clear, sunny weather. Nothing dampens the mood, and your selling capability, like a dark, dreary day.

4. Video Shooting 101

These days, you don’t have to be Steven Spielberg to shoot a clear and compelling video. Smartphone technology makes it easy to make a masterpiece right from your iphone or android. That being said, it takes a little more than “point and shoot” to tell a story. A little research and some quick tips on recording quality videos will go a long way in ensuring your video looks polished and professional.

5. Safety First

The current pandemic is forcing landlords to use new rental marketing ideas, many resorting to virtual tours. And while this is a wonderful and safe option for tenants, it’s important to remember that the threat still exists behind the camera.

While shooting your video, make sure that all existing coronavirus guidelines are being followed. Disinfect entirely before entering the property and if there are occupants arrange that they are out of the home.

These precautions may seem obvious to some or unnecessary to others, but don’t be surprised if you receive questions about what safety measures you have taken. Inquisitive potential tenants will be thankful for the care and foresight you have exercised in their interest.

That’s a Wrap!

Whether you’re filming a big budget mansion on a Hamptons estate or a quaint one bedroom in the heart of the city, your purpose remains the same. You’re looking to tell a story. Your lighting, set, camera angles, overall ambiance, and even safety precautions all play a role in communicating to the audience that this is the place for them.

While it takes time to go the extra mile, to remove some unsightly clutter, or to wait for that cloud to clear, it will all pay off in the end. Potential tenants will recognize the quality in your work and ultimately the value of your property. Now as they say in showbiz, “Action!”